Mumbai, June 2 (IANS) Indian benchmark indices ended higher on Tuesday, supported by gains in information technology, metal, and consumer durable stocks, even as investors remained cautious ahead of key trade negotiations between India and the United States.

The Nifty settled 100.95 points, or 0.43 per cent, higher at 23,483.55, while the Sensex advanced 382.50 points, or 0.52 per cent, to close at 74,649.84.

Commenting on Nifty technical outlook, experts said that the 23,500–23,550 region remains an important immediate resistance zone.

“A sustained breakout above this range could improve market sentiment and pave the way for a recovery toward the 23,750–23,800 levels,” an analyst stated.

“On the downside, the 23,300–23,250 zone continues to serve as a crucial support area,” as per the expert.

Buying interest in heavyweight IT stocks lifted the market, with Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and HCL Technologies emerging as the top gainers on the Nifty index.

on Sensex pack, TCS led the gainers side followed by Infosys, HCL Tech, Adani Ports and Tech Mahindra.

On the downside, NTPC was most laggards while Axis Bank, Power Grid, Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv were among top laggards.

Broader markets also ended in positive territory. The Nifty MidCap index rose 0.18 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index gained 0.40 per cent during the session.

Among sectoral indices, the Nifty IT index led the gains. The Nifty Consumer Durable, Nifty Auto, and Nifty FMCG indices also outperformed the broader market.

However, defensive sectors remained under pressure, with the Nifty Pharma and Nifty Healthcare indices ending lower.

Investor sentiment remained focused on the ongoing trade discussions between India and the United States.

A US delegation led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch began a three-day round of talks with Indian officials in New Delhi on Tuesday to finalise the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement.

Market participants are closely tracking developments from the negotiations, as expectations of progress in the trade pact continue to support sentiment.

“With the earnings season largely concluded, investor focus has shifted to key macro factors including monsoon progress, inflation trends, RBI policy, and liquidity conditions,” a market expert mentioned.

–IANS

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